Nikon D300s vs other "prosumer" Nikon SLRs
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon Nikon
Model D90 D300 D300s
Imaging System Sensor Manufacturer Sony Sony Sony
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS CMOS
Color Filter Array RGB RGB RGB
Total Megapixels 12.9 13.1 13.1
Effective Megapixels 12.3 12.3 12.3
Effective Sensor Size (mm) 23.6 x 15.8 23.6 x 15.8 23.6 x 15.8
Focal Length Multiplier (approx.) 1.5x
(Nikon DX)
1.5x
(Nikon DX)
1.5x
(Nikon DX)
Ultrasonic Dust Reduction Yes Yes Yes
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED EXPEED
Viewfinder Type Eye-level pentaprism Eye-level pentaprism Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage 96% 100% 100%
Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity) 0.94x 0.94x 0.94x
Eyepoint (mm) 19.5 19.5 19.5
Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters) -2.0 to +1.0 -2.0 to +1.0 -2.0 to +1.0
Focusing Screen Type-B BriteView clear matte screen Mark II, with on-demand grid lines Type-B BriteView clear matte screen Mark II, with on-demand grid lines Type-B BriteView clear matte screen Mark II, with on-demand grid lines
Depth of Field Preview Yes Yes Yes
Live View (on LCD) Yes,
Contrast Detection AF only: Face priority, Wide-Area, Normal-Area modes
Yes
(2 Modes:
Hand-held mode uses conventional AF sensor;
Tripod mode uses contrast detect AF from image sensor)
Yes
(2 Modes:
Hand-held mode uses conventional AF sensor;
Tripod mode uses contrast detect AF from image sensor)
Recording System Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type Secure Digital card
(SDHC compatible)
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive
(UDMA supported)
Dual slots:
Type I CF card (UDMA supported)
Secure Digital card (SDHC compatible)
Compatible File System FAT 16 / FAT 32 FAT 16 / FAT 32 FAT 16 / FAT 32
Recording Formats RAW 12-bit (compressed NEF), JPEG RAW 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed NEF), TIFF (32-bit), JPEG RAW 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed NEF), TIFF (32-bit), JPEG
Maximum Resolution 4288 x 2848 4288 x 2848 4288 x 2848
Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only) 3216 x 2136;
2144 x 1424
3,216 x 2,136;
2,144 x 1,424
3,216 x 2,136;
2,144 x 1,424
RAW + JPEG Recording Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression Yes, selectable JPEG resolution / compression
Color Space, Image Parameters& White Balance User-Selectable Color Space Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB
Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB
Yes
sRGB + Adobe RGB
Processing Parameters (Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Hue) / # of Increments 9 options for sharpening, 7 options for contrast, 3 options for brightness, 7 options for saturation, 5-step hue adjustment. 7 options for sharpening, 5 options for contrast, 3 options for brightness, 5 options for saturation, 5-step hue adjustment. 7 options for sharpening, 5 options for contrast, 3 options for brightness, 5 options for saturation, 5-step hue adjustment.
Picture Control System Yes Yes Yes
Adjustable High ISO NR Yes,
4 levels
Yes,
4 levels
Yes,
4 levels
Preset WB Settings Six presets with fine tuning, Color Temperature, one Manual preset Seven presets with fine tuning; four Manual presets Seven presets with fine tuning; four Manual presets
Manual Color Temperature Setting Range 2,500 ~ 10,000K in increments of roughly 10 mired 2,500 ~ 10,000K in increments of roughly 10 mired 2,500 ~ 10,000K in increments of roughly 10 mired
WB Adjustment Range 6 steps in 1-step increments
5 mireds per step
±6 steps in 1-step increments
5 mireds per step
±6 steps in 1-step increments
5 mireds per step
Autofocus System Type TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM1000 autofocus module TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM3500DX autofocus module
contrast detection using LiveView Tripod mode
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM3500DX autofocus module
contrast detection using LiveView Tripod mode
# of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type) 11 points, 1 wide or normal center point (1 cross-type, 2 horizontal-type, 8 vertical-type) 51 points (15 cross-type, 36 line type) 51 points (15 cross-type, 36 line type)
Superimposed Focus Point Display Yes Yes Yes
AF Working Range EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100)
AF Servo Modes AF-S (single one-shot), AF-C (continuous tracking),
AF-A (for auto selection of AF-S or AF-C modes)
AF-S (single one-shot), AF-C (continuous tracking). AF-S (single one-shot), AF-C (continuous tracking).
AF Area Modes Single area, Dynamic area, Auto area, 3D tracking (11-points) Single point (51 or 11), Dynamic Area [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)], Auto area. Single point (51 or 11), Dynamic Area [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)], Auto area.
AF-assist Beam Yes
Bright incandescent lamp
Yes
Bright incandescent lamp
Yes
Bright incandescent lamp
Fine-tune Front/Back Focus Adjustment No Yes (settings for up to 12 lenses) Yes (settings for up to 12 lenses)
Exposure Control Shooting Modes 11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Auto with flash off, Portrait, Landscape, Close up, Sports, Night Portrait. 4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode. 4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode.
Metering Zones 420 1,005 1,005
Metering Modes 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor.
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, or 10 mm dia. circle in center of frame.
3) Spot: Meters 3.5 mm dia. circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area.
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor.
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame.
3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used).
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed by 1,005-segment RGB sensor.
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame.
3) Spot: Meters 3mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used).
Metering System Working Range 1) EV 0 ~ 20 (Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
Nikon Scene Recognition System Yes Yes Yes
ISO Range / Extended 100 / 200 ~ 3200 / 6400 100 / 200 ~ 3200 / 6400 100 / 200 ~ 3200 / 6400
Exposure Compensation +/- 5EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3EV increments +/- 5EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3EV increments +/- 5EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3EV increments
Automatic Exposure Bracketing 2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV steps 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1EV 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1EV
Active D-Lighting Yes
4 levels + Auto
Yes
4 levels
Yes
5 levels + Auto
Shutter Speeds, Frame Rate, Shutter Lag Shutter Type Electronically controlled mechanical Electronically controlled mechanical Electronically controlled mechanical
Shutter Speed Range 1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb 1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth 4.5 fps / >20 JPEG large/fine or 10 RAW frames 6.1 fps / 37 JPEG large/fine
or 17 (12-bit) RAW frames
(up to 8 fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack)
7.1 fps / 26 JPEG large/fine
or 17 (12-bit) RAW frames
(up to 8 fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack)
Flash Built-in Flash / Guide Number (m) at ISO 100 Yes
(12, manual 13)
Yes
(12, manual 13)
Yes
(12, manual 13)
Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.) 1/200 1/250
(up to 1/320 at reduced GN)
1/250
(up to 1/320 at reduced GN)
Flash Exposure Compensation -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps -3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
Slow-sync Flash 1st or 2nd curtain 1st or 2nd curtain 1st or 2nd curtain
PC Sync Terminal Hot shoe only Yes Yes
Nikon Advanced Wireless Lighting Support Yes, camera can act as wireless controller with multiple groups, modes and channels Camera can act as wireless controller with multiple groups, modes and channels Camera can act as wireless controller with multiple groups, modes and channels
Playback System LCD Size / Pixel Count 3.0 in LCD / 920,000 pixels 3.0 in LCD / 920,000 pixels 3.0 in LCD / 920,000 pixels
Enlarged Playback / Scroll 1.1 - 27x for large images, 20x for medium images, or 13x for small ones / Yes 1.1 - 27x for large images, 20x for medium images, or 13x for small ones / Yes 1.1 - 27x for large images, 20x for medium images, or 13x for small ones / Yes
Calendar View Yes No No
LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range 7 steps 7 steps 7 steps
Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots Yes Yes Yes
Video Out Analog NTSC/PAL, HDMI Analog NTSC/PAL, HDMI Analog NTSC/PAL, HDMI
Other Features Computer Connection Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant Yes, USB 2.0 High-Speed, PTP-compliant
Direct Printing (PictBridge-compliant printers) Yes Yes Yes
Menu Languages 16 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Norwegian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean) 15 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean) 17 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean), Danish, Norwegian
Camera Default Reset Yes Yes Yes
Custom Functions (Quantity) Yes (41) Yes (48) Yes (48)
Multiple Exposures Yes
(2~3 shots)
Yes
(2~10 shots)
Yes
(2~10 shots)
In-camera Image Retouching Yes Yes Yes
Remote Control Yes, accessory terminal for optional MC-DC2 wired remote, or ML-L3 wireless remote Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-20/30/36 remote cords or WT-4 wireless remote Yes, 10-pin remote terminal for optional MC-20/30/36 remote cords or WT-4 wireless remote
Info LCD Panel / Illumination Yes / Yes
(power switch)
Yes / Yes
(power switch)
Yes / Yes
(power switch)
Number of Command Dials 2 2 2
Optional GPS Support Yes, via optional GP-1 Yes, via optional GPS Adapter Cord MC-35 Yes, via optional GPS Adapter Cord MC-35
Programmable function button Yes Yes Yes
In-camera Lateral C.A. Correction Yes Yes Yes
Geometric Distortion Correction No No No
D-Movie Yes, 3 modes:
HD 1280x720 (16:9 ratio) VGA 640x424 (3:2 ratio) QVGA 320x216 (3:2 ratio)
with monaural audio
No Yes, 3 modes:
HD 1280x720 (16:9 ratio) VGA 640x424 (3:2 ratio) QVGA 320x216 (3:2 ratio)
with monaural audio (internal microphone) or stereo audio (external microphone) w/ 3.5mm jack
Intervalometer No Yes Yes
Articulating LCD No No No
Body Structure Body Cover/Chassis Largely Polycarbonate Largely Magnesium Alloy Largely Magnesium Alloy
Environmental Seals No Yes Yes
Power System Battery Compatibility EN-EL3e,
optional MB-D80 battery pack
EN-EL3e,
optional MB-D10 battery pack
EN-EL3e,
optional MB-D10 battery pack
CIPA Rated Shooting Capacity (shots) 850 1000 950
Dimensions & Weight Dimensions (WxHxD, mm) 132 x 103 x 77 147 x 114 x 74 147 x 114 x 74
Weight (body only) 620 g 825 g 840 g
Operational Environment Operating Temperature Range 0 ~ 40°C 0 ~ 40°C 0 ~ 40°C
Operating Humidity Range < 85% < 85% < 85%
Kit Lens Focal Length / Aperture 18-105mm
f/3.5-5.6G VR
- -
Lens Compatibility Meter Coupling CPU Combined CPU and AI Combined CPU and AI
In-body AF Motor Yes Yes Yes
Lens Mount / Compatibility
  1. DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
  2. Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
  3. Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
  4. Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
  5. AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
  6. Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
  7. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
  1. DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
  2. Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
  3. Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
  4. Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
  5. AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
  6. Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode A and M with metering; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster. Up to 9 non-CPU lenses can be registered.
  7. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
  1. DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
  2. Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
  3. Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
  4. Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
  5. AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
  6. Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode A and M with metering; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster. Up to 9 non-CPU lenses can be registered.
  7. IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.


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